Heddy M. Johannesen's Blog, page 17
February 16, 2016
Wise words
Merry meet all,
I am proud to be published in the anthology Wax and Wane: A Gathering of Witch Tales published by Nosetouch Press. The extra reason is that the editor is sensitive to Witches today.
“I would qualify it by saying that just as there are good and bad people and those in-between, so we had witch stories that reflected that balance — mostly good or grey, and a few wicked ones. We rejected stories that ran with the green-faced, baby-killing hag witch stereotype.”
That is one more reason to be happy to be published. It’s rare that an editor or other person shows so much understanding and kindness. Witches will want to read this book because of the understanding shown by the editors. This is rare. I can’t wait to hold the book in my hands and read it from cover to cover. I get a contributor copy. Oh I can’t wait. The book cover is beautiful.
If you are interested in pre ordering the book, here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Wax-Wane-Gathering-Witch-Tales/dp/1944286039
I also got an Amazon Author Page after I signed the contract. Here is the link to the page:
http://www.amazon.com/Heddy-Johannesen/e/B01A2TMCPO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_19
I have good reason to be excited. Due to the nice editor’s kind comments, I have been firing potential book reviewer after book reviewer and place to carry the book after another that I can think of. I don’t mind helping David Neal. I know a lot of contacts in the Witch world so I am able to help that way. Witches and Pagans magazine might feature a review of the book and possibly Eternal Haunted Summer Ezine might review the book too.
My article on Chalices that was originally printed in Circle Magazine will be published in Eternal Haunted Summer Ezine for the spring issue. I am also hard at work on my other writing.Witches and Pagans published my poem, “Over a Blood Moon” in their most recent issue.
The Wax and Wane anthology is scheduled to be released on March 2, 2016. It’s not far away. The spring equinox occurs in March too. Good reason to celebrate!
Blessings, Lady Spiderwitch )O(
February 7, 2016
Fame
Merry meet all,
The link below is the author spotlight for me and my story to be published in the Wax and Wane anthology by Nosetouch Press. I am so happy to be in this book and I can’t wait till it comes out.
http://www.nosetouchpress.com/contributor-spotlight-heddy-johannesen/
Please enjoy reading these links:
Blessed Be
Lady Spiderwitch )O(
http://www.nosetouchpress.com/contributor-spotlight-heddy-johannesen/
http://historiccamdencounty.com/ccnews153.shtml
January 18, 2016
Dark Musings
Merry meet all,
The moon is waxing growing to full. This will be the first full moon of the year. I have submitted the final galley edits for my short story in the Wax and Wane anthology: A Gathering of Witchy Tales to be published by Nosetouch Press. I can’t wait till the book is released. I want to buy a hardcover copy too. I prefer hardcover to paperback as it is so much more old school, classy and more long lasting.
My cat’s sleeping on the bookcase. Her litter box is all clean. She is a content kitty cat. My guinea pig is rustling about in his cage.
Neighborhood Witch, the new Witch shop in town here, has just expanded its size on the second floor of the building. I am happy that there is a new Witch shop in town. It’s just what we needed. I love the shop and am so excited that I can find herbs and black candles or books.
Imbolc approaches. I shall post more on my parent blog about Imbolc, so if you want some info on that, you can look there. I saw a cool tarot deck called Ravens Prophecy Tarot. I really like it and I want to get it because I want to connect to the Morrigan. So since the deck is about ravens and prophecy, I think it would be perfect. Also, BookMark has Poe (Edgar Allan Poe) socks set aside for me. I don’t know if I will ever wear them because they would wear out so fast so they will just be a collector’s item kind of thing. I love Edgar Allan Poe and his writing. He’s a writer after my own heart.
Till next time, blessings
Lady Spiderwitch )O(
January 11, 2016
Top 10 Horror Novels of 2015
Written by: Matt Molgaard
Sadly, I only read about 25 novels in 2015. The schedule is picking up and the family is growing. A new business is being outlined and planned for a 2016 launch. It’s been a hectic 2015. All that said, of the 25 books I read, I found some genuine masterpieces. From a few of the names I’ve come to rely on to a few new discoveries, there were enough wonderful works released this year to comfortably assemble a solid top 10 list for you.
This list may have been a bit less predictable, and might very well have featured a few names you’re not accustomed to seeing here, but unfortunately, when I took to Facebook to call on HNR’s contributors for their top picks of the year, I got crickets. Nada in regards to input. So, this list comes straight from yours truly with next to…
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January 9, 2016
Wax and Wane anthology update
Merry meet all,
Here is an update on the Wax and Wane: A Gathering of Witchy Tales anthology. The book is now available for pre-order. Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Wax-Wane-Gathering-Witch-Tales/dp/1944286039/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
I am quite excited about the book to be released in Spring 2016. I can’t wait to hold it in my hands. Sorry I haven’t posted more but things have been a little slow lately. I haven’t been feeling well. I do plan to let you all know more about the anthology.
Until then,
blessings
Lady Spiderwitch
December 14, 2015
Great news!
Merry meet all,
I have awesome news!!! Nosetouch Press is publishing my short story about the tilberi. I posted about the tilberi earlier. I am excited and proud to be included in the anthology. They have received so many submissions that they altered the title from a coven of witch tales to a gathering of witch tales. The book will be released in Spring of 2016.
I can’t wait to see and read the anthology. I was stunned that they accepted my tale. But I won’t knock a great opportunity. A whole new reason to anticipate spring!!
Yule is almost here. The Full Moon shines on December 25th. This is the first time in a long time that the full moon has landed on Dec.25th. Another great reason to enjoy Yule!!
Blessings, Lady Spiderwitch )O(
November 20, 2015
Morrigan in Clay
Merry meet all,
On my parent blog, Broomsticks & Cauldrons, I reached 600 posts on the blog in total. I think this is cause for celebration! I hope to continue successfully on both blogs. I appreciate the support I receive from my readers. I ate a few slices of homemade iced chocolate cake to celebrate!
I’m still trying to edit my novel. I hope to wrap up things soon. I have made progress with the macro editing now it is more getting close to the micro editing. I love and hate this project.
And I’m still learning more about witchcraft and the paranormal.
I bought red and black clay today to craft a Morrigan statue. I seesawed with the decision to buy or make one. If I bought one, I would need to come up with cash I didn’t have. If I made my own, I could get to know her better, work in herbs, dedicate a stone, and dedicate other objects to her. I also support local witch shops for the stones and herbs I bought to craft the clay goddess. I think making it is the best decision and I plan to inform you all and post photos when I am done. I will dedicate the statue to Morrigan on the coming Full Moon. But today is not the right day for it. I want to add red wine to the statue and work in juniper berries, mugwort, ivy, rue, graveyard dirt and rosemary.
Now see? if I bought it, I’d be missing out on all that. Of course, this all implies I need to get off my lazy butt. The Morrigan doesn’t suffer lazy little brats. She is no goddess to trifle with. I am not lazy but lately I have been a little slack. I can’t wait to see how this works. But I do look forward to it.
Blessings, Lady Spiderwitch )O(
October 29, 2015
The Grimm Pumpkin by Heddy Johannesen
Originally posted on Chicago Literati :
On the night of October 31st, a Giant pumpkin watched Tommy, Brian and Johnny throw toilet paper and eggs at peoples’ homes. Two evil eyes scowled at the costumed children with hate. The tiny nose arched between the eyes. Blood oozed down the face. The flesh dripped down from the mouth, revealing smelly stringy pulp. The mouth curved back on both sides, displaying two rows of chiseled fangs. The green root lay motionless on the porch.
Tommy eyed the moldy glowing thing. His small hand caressed the eggs. He stared at the pumpkin in terror. He swallowed hard and glanced to see if his friends had caught up with him. They tossed toilet paper and eggs at someone’s house. Their Converse sneakers shuffled on the damp autumn leaves.
“Hey guys, check this out. Egg it or what?” Tommy said. His best friends, Brian and Johnny, both in the…
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October 20, 2015
My romance with Death
Merry meet all,
To most enthusiasts of Wicca, witchcraft, horror fans and fans of the paranormal, Halloween holds a seductive irresistible spell over us. It does for me. I walk along the nature trail, in awe of the splendour of the autumn trees. I marvel at the plethora of pumpkins and the flavour of the roasted seeds. We crave hearty soups and feel the early chill in the air. October is not long enough.
My family has accused me of being macabre all my life. I don’t fit in with them nor the zombies in the school halls. I was always an outcast, a loner, but it didn’t bother me. I love to read Wollstonecraft and Poe. I like the more classic horror fiction. I have an adult literary pop-up book of Edgar Allan Poe’s works and a more formal gilt edged hardcover illustrated classic style book of his writings. I have skulls, bats, witches, gargoyles, dragons and cauldrons.
I guess I never feared the dark, I like walking on a shadowy street and fancying that I can blend in the shadows as smoothly as a vampire can. I don’t fear bats that fly in my hair. I spare spiders and have always regarded them as my totem insect. Crows follow me around. I leave offerings in my garden. Heck, I even offered live crickets to the lady’s bearded dragons who lived above me. She keeps bearded dragons who ate the crickets- alive. Well power to them. I stare at the moon. I published a flash fiction story about a child munching pumpkin. (I love kids. I really do.)
Yup I’m weird. But maybe no more unusual than anyone else. I am always sad at the end of October. It is like the bittersweet flavour of a ripe apple. Sour but sweet. I am fascinated by the paranormal. Well I started this blog obviously, or maybe it is because I, like most people, want to know what happens to us after death. We seek answers to an unanswerable question. We would have to come back from death to tell everyone what it was like and that is impossible.
I have enjoyed reading more about how other cultures view Death. I read a book titled Memento Mori about death and several other excellent titles such as Witches Book of the Dead by Christian Day, The Mighty Dead by Penczak, Goth Craft by Raven Digitalis and The Ghost Hunters Survival Guide by Belanger.
Despite all this preoccupation with death, I do view life a certain way. Yes I like this stuff but I strive to maintain a balance in life. I love nice sunny days, gardening, my pets, and food. I love nature trails and hikes, herbalism, and sharing food with people. A balance is crucial to your health mentally, physically, and spiritually.
I don’t believe in just focusing on the white goddesses or white light goddesses. How can you omit Hekate, Kali, Persephone or Bast? The Morrigan? To do that, is, to me, to dishonour them and to not appreciate the full aspects of the Goddess or life. Life is light and dark but should be in a harmony, a balance. I don’t like that I won’t see my garden for 5 to 6 months of the year but I know spring always returns- and I bought spring bulbs! I have to wait till the soil is cold enough for them to be planted.
So I guess I express fears, inspirations etc through my writing. I wish you all a wonderful October and a magickal Samhain.
Blessed Be, Lady Spiderwitch )O(
October 17, 2015
October’s Seduction
Merry meet all,
Magic is in the air!! it’s mid-October. To hell with naysayers, I so did wear my black cloak to the grocery store tonight. I don’t care what people think. I have always believed I should express my self and that cloaks shield you better from the elements. It began raining as soon as I arrived home, but I would have been dry. The cloak was made of wool.
The moon’s waxing now, turning to full by October’s end. I am always sad at the end of October. To me, I cherish October more than anything in the world. Its such a sensual lively seductive month. I am reminded of the carnival in Something Wicked this way comes by Bradbury. I almost want to surrender to the horrors of the carnival. Almost. October seduces us gently and darkly. We give in because we relish it.
I am going to go old school this October. I want to honor traditions, not just dumb supper. It was tradition to carve turnips long before pumpkins. I am going to do both. But since I have witnessed a Shadow person in my hone and so I see a need to set up a protection. If the carved turnips scares me, it may scare unwelcome spectral visitors. So the goal may be achieved! I will let you know how it goes.
I am enjoying Samhain as a solitary but I am not alone. Spirit is with me, especially at this time of year. I’ve lit a pumpkin spice candle. I have completed a big project.
I have sewed myself a witch’s gown. It’s made of knit and all black (of course!) I used the Arwen style full length gown and long draping sleeves. I love the dress. I put a lot of care into sewing it, no matter how tired and weary I was as I made it. I wanted it to be beautiful. I can wear the black lace corset with the gown! I wanted the dress to lace up the front originally but the material I chose for the dress could never support the lacing up. That is why I have the separate corset. A photo of the gown:
In that photo, I didn’t sew on the collar, hem the gown or wear the black lace corset but you get the general idea. I am proud of the gown. The sleeves are also lined now. I will wear this dress a lot. Yes, quite often. I plan to wear it to the Witches Ball. I want to be the Death card from the major arcana of the tarot. It is appropriate for this time of the year. That is the theme for costumes. I bought a black stemmed rose, white face paint, and black lipstick. I have a black cloak or spider cape and a spider shawl. All I need is a fake scythe and I am all set. Not real, of course. I love my gown and black boots to wear with it too. Now for those striped socks …
With October, comes Hollywood’s fascination with horror movies. I saw Crimson Peak last night. I sat there, horrified, through most of the movie. The movie was well done, I am already in love with Tom Hiddleston, and the woman who played the deranged sister was beyond excellent in her acting skills. The house was amazing. But I could hardly handle the gore or the violence. I visibly squirmed. I wasn’t expecting that much gore and violence. The gore I actually handled better than seeing people stabbed and slashed to death. I love Gothic horrors though. I am an Edgar Allan Poe fan.
So light your candles, and dust off your cauldrons. Samhain is here!!
Blessings, Lady Spiderwitch )O(
